Surge in Painkiller Use in Ireland
Dublin: Painkiller use in Ireland has risen sharply in recent years, with many patients relying on medication while enduring long waits for surgery, particularly orthopaedic procedures such as hip and knee replacements, according to new research from the Royal College of Surgeons.
The study found that prescription use of painkillers — including addictive opioids — increased significantly between 2014 and 2022, with Irish patients consuming more painkillers than their counterparts in England.
Key Findings
- Opioid use (including codeine and oxycodone) rose by 25% during the eight-year period.
- Paracetamol prescriptions increased by 50%.
- In 2022, over 1,200 opioid prescriptions were issued for every 1,000 patients.
- In contrast, painkiller use in England declined over the same period.
The research was based on data from 1.3 million Irish medical card holders and all GP practices in England.
Concerns Over Access to Alternatives
The findings raise concerns about the availability of non-drug pain management options in Ireland. The study highlighted that England offers broader access to pain clinics, physiotherapy, and other non-pharmaceutical interventions through the NHS — services that are far less available in Ireland.
Researchers warn that without expanding access to such alternatives, reliance on painkillers — particularly addictive opioids — is likely to continue rising.
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